Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of organization are you?

We are a Christian Community nationally recognized by the Epicopal Church. We seek a deeper relationship with Christ and have adopted some monastic principles and ideals to help us on our journey.

2. Is this Community only for Episcopalians?

This Community is a Christian Community formed according to the Canons of the Episcopal Church USA. But any person interested in seeking a deeper relationship with Christ may be considered for membership in the Community.

3. Is the Community associated with a major order like Franciscans or Benedictines?

The Community is not based exclusively on any one major tradition. The richness of diversity that each offers forms the basis of our discipline. You will find building blocks of many of these great traditions in every corner of our lives. For example, much of our Prayer life is based on Benedictine tradition; our life of Study is somewhat Dominican; and our life of Service is Franciscan or Jesuit.

4. How old is the Community?

The Community’s foundation dates back almost 2,000 years! This particular expression of the Christian Community began in early 2007.

5. What does it cost to become a member of the Community? How are you supported financially?

The philosophy of the Community is to let our members know the cost of doing things; processing applications, paying legal fees, renting web space, etc. Members are then asked to consider what they can do to cover these costs. Professed members are expected to help financially support the Community. Some members can not contribute much because of their circumstances, and others contribute more. Somehow, it all works out! No one is pressured to contribute funds, and everyone's contributions are held in the strictest confidence. Members are encouraged to grow into the discipline of tithing, but this is primarily directed toward the Member’s local parish or causes that further the love and compassion of Christ. Members are responsible for their own habit, books, travel and communication expenses.

6. I am a member of another Order. Can I also be a member with your Community?

Members of other Orders or Communities can be Friends of our Community. Generally, people will need to focus on one formation journey to get the most from it.

7. How old must I be to be a member?

You must be at least 21 years of age to be considered for membership in the Community. There is no upper age limit.

8. Do you have members outside the United States?

We have Friends of the Community in several countries. Regular members, however, are generally limited to North America. We are a dispersed Community, and therefore it is important to try to stay connected with each other. We can do this with technology, of course, but meeting each other face-to-face at our annual Convocation, at regional retreats, or local gatherings is critical. The distance between us presents challenges for travel and maintaining essential bonds between members. Therefore, we discourage regular membership outside North America.

9. What Prayer Book is used by the Community?

The official prayer book of the Community is based on the Book of Common Prayer of the Church, but members select the prayer book of their choice for personal use. When united at Convocation or other regional meetings, the Book of Common Prayer is generally used to unify the celebration.

10. Do members have a formation program?

All members are considered to be under continuous formation. (See the Formation page for further information.) Essentially, each member is assigned a Formation Guide who assists the member with his or her formation. Once members becomes Professed, they are usually responsible for designing and fulfilling their annual formation plan.

11. Do you wear habits?

Our habits are primarily habits of the heart. The attention we draw to ourselves should be because we are servants of God and are treating others as though they were Christ. While Members are free to use neck crosses, prayer shawls and stoles, our main habit is the external behavior we exhibit toward others and toward ourselves in keeping with the love of Christ in our hearts. Local parish customs and special celebrations may permit the wearing of our habits, which include an alb, cincture, and scapular. While we wear no distinguishable clothing in public, we ask our members to dress simply in keeping with our value of simplicity.

12. Is the Community open to both single and partnered relationships?

The Community is open to any person over the age of 21, single or partnered, who seeks to live their life according to the Gospel. The expectation is, however, that any relationship is based on fidelity and integrity.

13. What types of membership are available with the Community?

There are several categories of members in the Community. There are Friends (see below), Postulants (who prepare for the Novitiate), Novices (who prepare for Profession), and there are Professed. (See the Formation page and Members page for further information.)

14. What type of references will I need to apply to the Community?

Members applying to the Community will need the support of their spouse or partner, if there is one. Letters of recommendation may also be asked of pastors or friends.

15. Who are Friends of the Community?

Friends of the Community are those people interested in associating themselves with the Community, and who commit themselves annually to some sort of daily prayer, study, and service to others. They usually do not have a formal formation plan. Friends support us in prayer and other resources as they are able, and are supported by our prayer team.

16. Is your Community approved by the Church?

The Community of the Gospel is nationally recognized as a Christian Community within the Episcopal Church. This recognition was granted to us in February, 2013, by the House of Bishops' Committee on Religious Communities.

17. Are your members considered to be monastics?

Indeed, yes! Please see the explanation for this in the Library document titled, Are We Monastics?

18. What is a vocation?

A vocation is the sum total of all one's activities in Prayer, Study, and Service, which are our vows. These can take individualized forms, depending upon one's own temperament and preferences. One's service depends on where one lives, one's own interests, and needs that become apparent. Service also means being involved in this Community to some extent.